2000 Blazer LT 200k+ miles

Hello all,

I was replacing my brakes this weekend, so I was turning the steering wheel all the way left and right for easier access to the brake pad bracket. Got one side done, went to start the car to turn the steering wheel the other way for the other side, but the key wouldn't go into the start position, only the electronic accessories position. (So they key tumbler is fine).

I thought to myself, "Oh, the steering is just locked, of course it would be, the wheel is all the way over to one side!" Nope, the steering wheel was not locked at all. I was able to turn the steering wheel without the key in it at all.

My theory is that the car thinks the steering is locked so the car won't start. I'm guessing something is wrong with cog/detent, but I'm not really sure.

I would prefer to fix at home myself, but don't know where to start, I am having a very rough time finding this issue online.